Surgeon general says get naloxone. That's easy. Here's what to do.

Kroger announced its pharmacists will begin dispensing the opioid-blocking drug Naloxone without a prescription. Naloxone stops heroin and other drugs from reaching opioid receptors in the brain, prolonging life until emergency squads arrive.
The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

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Get naloxone. This kit was available at Kroger. Other pharmacies also provide the antidote to opioid overdose without a prescription.(Photo: Enquirer file photo)Buy Photo

So the U.S. surgeon general's on board with getting naloxone into the hands of, well, maybe you.

Dr. Jerome Adams said people at risk of an opioid overdose, as well as their family and friends, should keep the antidote on hand. That includes anyone who's prescribed a painkiller for chronic or acute pain.

How do you get it? It's simple.

Where can I get it?

Check with your pharmacy for it. Kroger and Walgreens and CVS are among pharmacies that sell it in the United States.

The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy in 2016 launched the website KyStopOverdoses, which lets you search for pharmacies that carry naloxone by city, county, or ZIP code.

The map includes more than 300 pharmacies across the state where people could get naloxone, with a promise to add more.

How much does it cost?

The cost varies, but insurance plans often cover it or require a co-pay. And, area addiction doctors have suggested that people check for coupons online. Try goodrx.com, for one place.

If you need naloxone and cannot afford to pay for it, try Northern Kentucky Health Department clinics. There's one in each of the district's counties.